| The Alpha Course
A daytime course started on Monday 19th September 2011, running from 1pm to 3pm in the Upper Room; lunch included, and creche provided. An evening course will run in January 2012. Read about what happens on an Alpha course below.
Click here to read a magazine article about Alpha from 2009. |
 |
What is Alpha?
Alpha is a ten week course which overviews the foundations of the Christian faith. We hope to help people understand better the teachings of Jesus by enabling participants to explore further the subjects being taught and to express their hopes or concerns as the course unfolds. Over 2 million people in the UK and 11 million worldwide have now attended the Alpha Course, all getting an opportunity to explore the meaning of life.
The Evening Course (from January 2012)
Following the introductory supper and session, there then follows nine weekly sessions on a Tuesday night with a week off at half term. Each evening will start with welcome drinks at 7pm followed by a simple hot meal at around 7.30pm, which is always a good time to get to know others and often leads to good friendships.
At around 8.00 pm, after brief notices, we will have a presentation (usually around 30 minutes) on the topic of the week. Different people from St Mark’s will present each week.
Once the presentation is done we can grab a hot drink and some pudding and then time is provided for everyone to respond to what they have heard in a discussion group accompanied by a few people on the Alpha team. The whole evening will be finished by 9.30 pm.
The Day Away
We often find that an evening is just not long enough and discussions just get started and need to stop again. The course also includes one day away which will include a couple of talks, but will provide much more space to reflect, discuss and just spend more time together. The Day Away will be on Saturday 12th March and will be held at Budbrooke church centre. More details nearer the time, but do put the date in the diary.
The Daytime Course
For those who can’t make evenings, we’re running a Daytime Alpha (1pm to 3pm) on Mondays, starting on September 19th 2011. The sessions will include lunch, and a creche will be provided.
Who is the course for?
It is our aim that the course is accessible to everyone, meets people where they are and encourages them on their spiritual journey. You are welcome to bring your questions and ideas to the course discussion group and to enjoy exploring possible ideas and answers with other participants and team members.
What does the course cost?
There is no charge for the course, however you are welcome to make voluntary contributions towards the cost of food if you can afford to do so.
What have others said…
“Alpha was a great way for me to learn about God in a friendly and non-threatening environment. I was able to ask questions and actually get answers. This course changed my life because I realised that my life had purpose”.
“Alpha was instrumental in helping me rediscover my faith”.
When is the next course?
A daytime Alpha course starts on Monday 19th September 2011, running from 1pm to 3pm in the Upper Room. Lunch is included, and a creche is provided.
An evening course will start in January 2012.
Alternatively contact the church office.